[Denver Dave]

I've been running a self-help group for a few months and I'm having a bit of trouble getting people to attend. We had four regulars for a while, but one person dropped out. I'd like to get about a dozen people.

The group format is: one person gives a talk about a specific issue such as self-esteem, mindfulness, thought-stopping techniques... and then we have a discussion. I think it's fun and people in the group say it's helping them, but how do I get more people to show up?

I started a blog but I need to do more to promote it. Here's the URL: http://denverselfhelp.wordpress.com/

Any ideas?

[EDIT: I just noticed one thing wrong with the blog... It's not about the group! ]

[sunrise]

Can you ask the people in the group to recommend it to people they think might be interested? I believe this is called "snowballing." Maybe have a night where each person needs to bring a guest?

The blog might help at promotion if it were about the group. It would at least be something you could refer people to who wanted to learn more.

Can you list your group at websites in your area that list groups?

Does your area have these free magazines you can pick up on street corners and libraries that list all sorts of classes for adults? Like "Discover U" or similar? If so, consider offering a course through them (people pay a nominal fee to participate), and make it have the same format as your group. Meet for a few times, and then the course is over. You can funnel any people from the course who liked it into your self-help group. Repeat as necessary.

[Yoda]

I didn't like that I had to register at the internet site before I could access information about the group, its purpose, when it meets,...

Besides that perhaps you could offer the group at a different time or day; perhaps do a survey.

[(JD)]

Hi. The number one fear of nearly all people is public speaking! It might work better if the group decides the topic and YOU give it, then let them share their thoughts maybe?

[Denver Dave]

Good ideas, Sunrise. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Yoda

I didn't like that I had to register at the internet site before I could access information about the group, its purpose, when it meets,...

That should be available without registering. But I need to put more information on the blog.

Originally Posted by (JD)

Hi. The number one fear of nearly all people is public speaking! It might work better if the group decides the topic and YOU give it, then let them share their thoughts maybe?

Yeah, actually I've given almost all the talks so far. It's hard to get people to even suggest a topic.

[Perna]

Maybe until you get as many people as you like and a stable group you could just have topics to discuss informally rather than each person having to work so hard to participate? I think a lot of people go to things, become part of things to listen and learn rather than have to "work" after working for their living. I would have "contests" or sponsor "experiments" (using specific self-help tools) and make it a bit fun too, see if more people didn't come because they enjoyed it rather than just coming to listen to a "lecture", thinking they might have to lecture next.